Debate Whip

Online Debate Whips

If you are considering being part of the dynamic Debate Team, and like to help people feel welcome, engaged and comfortable in speaking out during debates, a Whip position may be right for you. Whips identify and interact with potential speakers and answer questions from participants. Their direct communications with attendees have a profound effect on how participants view the debate experience, their willingness to take risks in speaking or asking questions, and their ability to feel engaged in the debate even if they don’t speak.

This training is designed to teach Whips what to anticipate in the Zoom environment and how to interact with participants through the technology.

Questions?

Contact the Debate Team at debatevolunteerteam@braverangels.org

Prerequisites

"I like encouraging the hesitant to speak. It's important for people to realize their voice matters."

“Being a Debate Whip lets me be part of the behind-the-scenes action and a member of a cohesive and dedicated team. I get the opportunity to engage in unique, intriguing and sometimes challenging conversations with the debate attendees, and to help them make the leap from passive to active participants.”

“My work with Braver Angels has provided me something I think we all need during these divisive times—a chance to meet people where they are and understand them as individuals. As a Whip I get to be a part of the team that facilitates the collective work done by every single participant and member: to search for truth and to listen and learn with an open mind.”

“I wanted to play a bigger role in Braver Angels than simply watching debates…being a Whip seemed like a natural way for me to get involved. So far, I've been a Whip at several national debates, interacting with people who want to give a speech, keeping track of people asking questions, and so on…I enjoy interacting with participants and the team…Maybe one day, I'll learn to be Mr. Chair!”

Training Process

Step 1: Enroll

To begin on your path as an Online Debate Whip, please complete the enrollment form.

Enroll

Step 2: Review Materials

Once you have enrolled in training, you will receive an email containing a few key materials for your review. Take a look at these training guides to familiarize yourself with the Online Debate Whip role.

Step 3: Attend Orientation

Once you have had a chance to review the materials in the previous step, return to your enrollment email to register for an orientation session with an experienced debate team member. This will be a time to ask any questions you might have after watching the video and reading the materials. If you feel you would benefit from the experience, you can shadow a whip during a live debate. Please request this during your orientation meeting.

Step 4: Try It Out!

Shadow an experienced whip OR try out your new role under their guidance! You will discuss which of these options is best for you during your orientation meeting.

FAQ

What kind of experience is helpful for being a whip?

It can be helpful to have experience using Zoom, but it is not required! A lot of the learning happens on the job, with a full support team to back you. All are welcome!

How is being a whip in person different from on Zoom?

This training will prepare you to be a Whip for online debates. Online debates benefit from staff who communicate with participants via Zoom chat and update tracking documents for the Chair. As an online Whip, you will communicate with the rest of the event staff behind the scenes to ensure everything goes smoothly and as many voices as possible will be heard.

Not all in person debates use Whips and they are not required. Often Debate Chairs in training can benefit from whipping at in person debates. If you have questions or concerns about staffing your in person debate please reach out to debatevolunteerteam@braverangels.org.

Do whips need to be well-informed about the topic of the debate?

No expertise in the debate topic is required to be a Debate Whip! In fact, it is a great way to learn more!

Can a whip make a speech/ask a question during the debate?

Whips are more than welcome to make speeches and ask questions during debates! You may find it difficult to pay attention to this at first, as you will be monitoring the chat and other back channel communication during the debate. As you get more comfortable in the role, you may want to contribute to the discourse.